As the sun dipped behind the Everheart trees, painting the forest in streaks of gold and orange, Akshat turned to Alexander. "Come with me," he said. "We're going to explore deeper into the forest."
Alexander blinked, curiosity and excitement lighting up his face. "Where exactly are we going?"
"You'll see," Akshat replied with a smirk, leading the way.
They moved silently through the undergrowth, the soft crunch of leaves underfoot the only sound besides the occasional call of a bird. Akshat's eyes scanned for signs of animal activity.
After a while, he noticed traces—disturbed soil, broken branches, and the unmistakable glint of honey smeared along rocks and tree trunks.
"Clever little things," he muttered. "If you know where to look, you can find their trails."
Hours passed as they tracked the signs, winding through hidden paths, crossing small streams, and ducking under low-hanging branches. Finally, tucked into a shaded hollow of ancient trees, they found it: the Cyanobear cave.
The sight that met them stopped them both in their tracks. The Cyanobear from earlier was inside, its fur matted with blood, one paw caught in a cruel metal trap. Beside her, a small cub whimpered softly, struggling to stay upright.
Alexander's eyes widened. "Oh… it's hurt…" he whispered, voice thick with emotion.
Akshat nodded solemnly. "These creatures… they can be dangerous, yes. But if treated with care, Cyanobears can form a bond with humans. They're intelligent, loyal, and… surprisingly gentle once trust is earned."
Alexander's gaze hardened with determination. "We can't just leave them here like this."
"Exactly," Akshat said. "We need to get them somewhere safe. You have the means—your family's wealth. Buy a place, somewhere private, somewhere they'll be secure. Then we bring them here, feed them, tend their wounds. They'll remember the kindness."
Alexander nodded quickly, already pulling out his phone, fingers flying across the screen. "I'll find a house. A big one. Somewhere private, somewhere they'll be safe."
Akshat smiled faintly, watching his resolve. "Good. The moment we rescue them, the bond starts. Treat them with patience, and they'll follow you anywhere. But remember this—this isn't about control. It's about trust."
Alexander's jaw tightened, eyes fixed on the cave, heart set on the mission. "I'll do it, Master. I won't let them suffer anymore."
Rescuing them wasn't easy—but they did it quietly. Akshat carefully pried open the metal trap clamped around the Cyanobear's paw while Alexander kept the cub calm, his movements surprisingly gentle for someone who had never handled something so wild. The mother growled low at first but didn't attack. She watched. She understood.
"Easy…" Akshat murmured, snapping the trap open and freeing the paw. The wound was bad but not fatal. The cub nudged its mother, whining softly.
Within thirty minutes, the distant thrum of helicopter blades cut through the forest silence. The pilot landed in a small clearing not far from the cave.
They moved fast, carefully, respectfully. The Cyanobear, too injured to resist much, measured them—not as enemies, but as something uncertain, something new. They secured both mother and cub safely and loaded them into the helicopter with as much care as possible.
As it lifted into the sky, carrying them toward Alexander's private estate, Akshat glanced at him. His expression wasn't arrogant or excited. It was serious. Focused.
"This is your responsibility now," Akshat said. "Earn their trust."
Alexander nodded firmly. "I will."
Once Akshat was sure everything was handled, he slipped back toward the campsite before anyone noticed he had been gone too long. By the time he returned, evening had fully settled in.
A bonfire crackled at the center of the clearing, music playing from someone's speaker. Students laughed and shared stories about the "legendary bear fight." The moment Akshat stepped into the light, conversations shifted. Eyes followed him. Whispers spread.
"There he is."
"That's him."
"He suplexed a Cyanobear…"
He rubbed the back of his neck, pretending not to notice. Aavya spotted him immediately and walked over, arms crossed.
"Where were you?" she asked, concern lacing her voice more than accusation.
"Just… checking something," he replied casually.
She studied him for a moment, then smiled faintly. "You always disappear after doing something insane."
"Someone has to keep things interesting," he smirked.
Soon, he was pulled into the circle near the fire. Someone handed him a drink. Laughter filled the air. The tension from the afternoon melted into celebration.
But as Akshat sat there, watching the flames dance, he couldn't help thinking about the Cyanobear and her cub flying through the night sky. Tonight, the students partied—but somewhere far from the camp, a new bond had just begun.
End of ch 22
To be continue...
© 2026 darkstar penguin | Reposting or copying is prohibited.